Success Stories
Prodigy Search prides itself on exceeding expectations and over-delivering with every executive recruitment search project we engage in. A sample of our recent success stories include:
PWHL
Senior Vice President, Business Operations
NEED: Prior to launching as North America's premier women's hockey league, the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) identified the immediate need for a strategic leader to drive business operations and help the league kickoff their inaugural season. With great ambition and significant backing, the league aimed to strengthen its leadership team to support the growth and sustainability of the league by bringing on a Senior Vice President of Business Operations. This individual needed to have proven sports experience and success growing properties as well as a passion for the mission that the PWHL embodied. This role demanded, not just a deep-seated passion for sports, but an unwavering commitment to elevating women's hockey. The ideal candidate would bring a heartfelt enthusiasm for the game, coupled with a visionary approach to grow the sport, inspire teams, and engage communities. The newly formed league partnered with Prodigy Search to identify the right person for the integral hire.
RESULT: Prodigy Search collaborated closely with PWHL to identify a Senior Vice President of Business Operations with a strategic mindset and a commitment to advancing women's sports. Amy Scheer emerged as the standout candidate, bringing a wealth of experience in sports business and a proven track record in driving business growth. Additionally, Scheer's dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting women's sports aligns seamlessly with PWHL's mission. As shown in the PWHL’s inaugural season, with Amy Scheer at the helm of business operations, the league is well-poised for continued growth, innovation, and success in the world of women's hockey.
FIFA World Cup 26
Executive Director, Workforce
NEED: With the FIFA World Cup '26 quickly approaching, FIFA and the North American organizing committee recognized the need for a highly capable Executive Director of Workforce to navigate the logistical complexities of one of the world's most prestigious sporting events. Positioned within the Strategy & Planning Division, the role encompasses oversight of Workforce Planning, Workforce Operations, Human Resources, Office Administration, Volunteers, Recruitment & Talent Acquisition, and Benefits and Payroll – all contributing to delivering the most engaging, innovative, and accessible World Cup experience ever. Reporting directly to the Chief of Strategy & Planning, the Executive Director, Workforce, would play a pivotal role in the Workforce efforts for the FIFA World Cup '26, an event making history by hosting 48 teams across 3 countries and 16 venues for the first time ever.
RESULT: Prodigy Search partnered with the FIFA World Cup '26 organizing committee to identify an Executive Director of Workforce who could lead with precision and efficiency. Courtney Kelley, an accomplished professional with a unique blend of sports and legal expertise in human resources, emerged as the standout candidate. With a distinguished career that includes serving as Chief Human Resources Officer at ICM Partners, Vice President of Human Resources at the National Football League (NFL), and Vice President of People at FanDuel, Courtney brought an unparalleled understanding of the intersection between sports, human resources, and legal considerations. This experience, combined with her strategic vision and commitment to excellence, made her an ideal fit for the intricate challenges of the FIFA World Cup '26. With her comprehensive background, the event is now poised for unparalleled success under Courtney Kelley's guidance, ensuring a world-class experience for all involved.
BaAM Productions
Head of Operations
NEED: BaAM Productions is a design-driven production company that plans and creates venues and experiences for clients in the sports, culture, and entertainment markets across the globe. BaAM has a distinctive approach that merges an innovative blend of strategy and creative expertise with project management principles to create engaging fan experiences. BaAM has been trusted to deliver high-profile events such as the Super Bowl, MLB at Field of Dreams, NHL Outdoor Games and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The innovative team at BaAM sought to hire a Head of Operations. The ideal candidate would embody exceptional business operational and leadership principles, further enhancing the company's operational excellence and leadership culture.
RESULT: Prodigy Search conducted a comprehensive continent-wide search to find the right person for the position. The search targeted an individual who thrived in a collaborative work environment, demonstrated passionate leadership, could manage a high-performing team, and had experience creating and managing large- scale budgets. Stephane Lecuyer was ultimately selected and identified as a dynamic, entrepreneurial, energetic, and passionate professional with 20 years of strategic leadership experience, while also being an adept team builder and an effective communicator. With all of these accolades to his name, he was a great fit for the Head of Operations role at BaAM.